We have no authority to discipline erring IGP, says police commission

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it lacks the authority to discipline Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), even if he fails to implement its decisions.

Ikechukwu Ani, spokesman of the PSC, said the commission “can do more with a constitutional provision that allows it protect its decisions”.

TheCable on Saturday reported that Johnson Kokumo has not been allowed to resume as commissioner of police in Edo despite the efforts of Godwin Obaseki, the state’s governor.

Although Kokumo’s transfer was announced in July by the PSC, Haliru Gwandu, whom he is to replace, has refused to make way for him to assume duty.

Idris is also caught in a myriad of allegations of corruption and improper conduct.

In a statement released on Sunday, the PSC said: “It is common knowledge that the constitution which gave the commission the powers to appoint, promote and discipline also did not extend the powers to discipline an IGP who refuses to implement decisions on these powers.

“The commission under the present leadership of Sir, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, a retired IGP, is not a mere rubber stamp agency. It carries out its duties diligently and in accordance with set out guidelines. It also in the discharge of this duties, takes the IGP into consideration as the operational head of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The 1999 Constitution, part 111, (supplemental) (b), 215 (2) states; The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the inspector-general of police.

“On postings of Command CPs, the Commission naturally allows the IGP who works with these officers and who knows their operational capabilities to recommend to it.

“And on special promotions, the commission has given the IGP guidelines that should govern his recommendations. Meanwhile, all recommendations to the commission on this issue has (have) been put on hold until he complies with these guidelines.

“The commission however can do more with a constitutional provision that allows it protect its decisions. It is also common knowledge that most times its decisions are not implemented by the IGP since constitutionally the commission cannot discipline the IGP.”